Cordina confident of world glory for Wales
Joe Cordina admits it is “surreal” to be contemplating becoming the 13th world champion from Wales when he challenges Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa for the International Boxing Federation superfeatherweight title in Cardiff tonight.
Cordina is undefeated in 14 contests and has moved down from the lightweight division after a change in diet.
Should the 30-year-old delight home fans with a victory, he will have the chance to prove himself against Shakur Stevenson, the 23-year-old American twobelt holder who many think is destined to become the world’s most revered boxer over the coming years.
Ogawa is a powerful puncher and aggressive fighter, with 26 wins from 29 fights, but Cordina is set on proving himself at this level in his first world title fight.
“This is a step-up and the biggest fight of my career,” he said. “He’s a good fighter, he’s a solid fighter, but he’s someone that I look at and think: Is he quicker than me? No. Is he technically better than me? No. Can he punch harder than me? Probably.
“I’m not a one-punch knockout artist, but every time I do land on you, it’s going to hurt and eventually it will have an effect. But then I look at all the other factors – can he fight on the inside better than me? No. So, when I
add that all up and put it into one, my chances are very high of winning this fight.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “Joe Cordina, in his home town, gets a chance to become the 13th world champion from Wales against the outstanding world champion Kenichi Ogawa. It’s been a long time since a Welsh crowd have had the opportunity to see what could be a huge star emerge as Joe gets his golden opportunity.”
Presumably, the opportunity to fight Stevenson motivates the Welshman in tonight’s collision in Cardiff?
“Of course. Stevenson’s unbelievable, he’s a great fighter. I’m a fan of his. We were in the Olympics together [in 2016] and he’s phenomenal in what he does, and I give credit where it’s due,” he said.
“I’d want to test myself and get in there with the best because, without risk, there’s no reward.
“If I want to go down in the history books, I’d have to beat someone like a Shakur Stevenson. But I have to get through Ogawa first, and I’m not overlooking him.”